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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 25, 2017)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 FEATURES Recognizing cognitive decline Dear Annie: How do you won’t go far astray. If a friend determine whether an associ- of yours shows signs of mem- ate is experiencing some mem- ory loss, talk to the friend one- ory loss, dementia or cognitive on-one, and use gentle, non- decline? With a close longtime accusatory language. Stick to friend, you can usually note a phrases such as “I noticed you change from the person’s nor- seem to be having difficulty with scheduling lately” mal functioning. But DEAR rather than “You keep if you became friends forgetting our plans.” with someone during ANNIE Similarly, if some- the retirement years, one in a club to which you often don’t know you belong repeatedly what someone’s level fails to fulfill duties he of functioning or per- or she signed up for, sonality was like in ear- talk to that person pri- lier years. In an organi- vately and offer to help zation, church or club, Lane out. The more gingerly an older adult may have Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. you handle the subject committed to doing a the less likely the per- job, become unable to do what’s required yet want to son is to become defensive — keep his or her hat in the ring but there’s still no guarantee on and save face. We wonder how that. Call the Alzheimer’s Asso- to approach this with kindness ciation 24/7 Helpline at 800- 272-3900 for more informa- and practicality. It is a wonderful idea to tion on navigating this difficult focus on issues facing older issue. Dear Annie: I just read a adults. There are so many of them, and the numbers are column in which you advised growing rapidly. Thank you for a woman, “Tortured in New York,” that she had a right to your interest. — Jane M. Dear Jane: Judging by your request a female nurse because letter, you’re naturally thought- of trauma in her past. Would ful. Let that innate sense of you say, then, that a white per- empathy steer you and you son who distrusts black people has a right to request a white nurse? Would you similarly say that someone prejudiced against gays could ask for a straight nurse? Nurses are pro- fessionals with extensive edu- cation and training. Their genetics (race, gender, sexual preference) should not be a bar- rier to doing their job. After all, if everyone asked for a female nurse, then men would be barred from the profession as women de facto were barred from being doctors, college professors and business exec- utives only a short time ago. Pretty slippery slope you are on. — Think Twice Dear Think Twice: Of course I do not condone dis- crimination based on race, sex- ual orientation or gender. I have the utmost respect for male nurses, and I wholeheartedly agree that they deserve equal opportunities in the workplace. “Tortured in New York” was a survivor of sexual assault and had unique needs as a patient. As many health care profes- sionals who have written to me in recent days affirmed, hospi- tals will do their best to accom- modate such needs. 5A TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). In some ways you feel like you’re finally getting the respect you deserve, and in other ways it feels like too little too late. Why isn’t this enough? That’s a valid question. Perhaps the attention is coming from the wrong person. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Pushing won’t make things happen any faster. Back off instead: That might work. Certainly people will want to rush to you when you give them a compelling enough reason and then leave the right amount of space between you. what will make the difference. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Wrap up those loose ends, because a new chapter is opening up for you very soon. You’re about to meet someone who will help you do the very thing you’ve wanted to for so long but never had the opportunity to. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Smiles improve moods. Even fake ones. So does sunshine. So do hugs. The things that make you feel happier may seem corny to you, but don’t let that stop you from trying them. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can’t help but be curious, and your compassion makes it difficult for you to shut a door once it’s ajar, therefore people will open up to you whether you want them to or not. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You appre- ciate agreeable people, but you’re more likely to trust those who disagree with you, since it takes nerve to disagree with someone as strong as you. CANCER (June 22-July 22). The fact-finding part of your mission could go on longer, but the law of diminishing returns would apply. You have all of the information you need to make your decision. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Choose your words carefully. Semantics matter. That’s why car dealers advertise “pre-owned vehicles” instead of “used cars.” Consider which words might give you an emotional advantage. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Whatever game you choose to play, you’ll be good for the game. Your high level of sportsmanship will bring out the best in your opponents. You’re especially well-matched with Sagittarius and Aries. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You don’t have to work in so-called “artistic” media for what you’re doing to be considered an art. Love is an art. Walking is an art. Artistic impulses will be validated by like minds who see the deeper levels. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your point of view isn’t wrong, though it may seem a little stale today. You’ve seen things from this angle for too long. Spin the globe. When it comes to worldviews, all reference points are relative. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 26). There are people whose lives get better be- cause of what you contribute this year, and that is among the most satisfying of feelings. The last part of 2017 focuses on honing your talents and economizing your life. There’s a burst of happy love at the beginning of 2018. Exciting, glamorous events punctuate your calendar. Libra and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 7, 20, 19 and 42. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Because you put care into the little things, people will trust you with the big things. From dressing yourself to presenting big projects, attention to detail is FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE